Purpose of the test
Diagnosis of neuroborreliosis by ELISA (IgG+IgM) on serum whether or not paired with CSV sample.
Criteria for performing the analyses under the reference activity
Applications to the NRC are based on:
An application for diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis: the application form must be fully completed including the clinical reason for testing. If no testing is performed, testing at the NRC will be reimbursed by the normal INAMI/RIZIV nomenclature. Please specify. If neuroborreliosis is suspected, paired serum (min.1 ml) and CSV (min. 0.8 ml) should be sent (ideally 1 ml for both).
Please report the total IgG or protein determination so that we can calculate the inthrathecal production index.
Instructions for samples
Sample collection :
- Serum: preferred volume is 1 ml (at least 0.5 ml is required).
- CSV: Preferred volume for serology is 1 ml (at least 0.8 ml is required).
Other than CSV or serum, please contact the laboratory.
Storage conditions: samples can be kept refrigerated (2-8°C) for several days.
Instructions for transport
Transport conditions: transport can be at room temperature but preferably refrigerated, mainly during summer. In case of long-term storage, freezing of serum and transport of frozen serum is recommended.
Unacceptable requests
- Insufficient samples
- Lipaemic, icteric or haemolytic samples
- If no serum, CSV or synovial fluid, contact the NRC before shipment
- Excessive transport time (> a week) or under excessive heat (e.g. hot summer days) (see storage conditions above).
- Application form not completed in full. This is absolutely necessary. Extreme effort should be made to obtain minimum clinical data (registration is one of the objectives of the NRC).
Turn around time (and frequency of analysis)
5 days for serology, analysis is performed twice a week.
Reporting of test results
Results will be sent via email and/or fax according to the requesting laboratory or physician’s wishes.